Dogs Gone Camping: 6 Must Have Dog Items To Take Camping

Fall is a great time to go camping, and an especially good time to bring your dog along, as the weather is generally milder than summer, but not too cold. But dogs need certain items besides food, water, and their leashes, when they go camping. Here are six that I would not be without....

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at most major retailers.)

Another product by Kyjen, the Outward Hound Port-A-Bowls are so convenient. They're lightweight, squishable, and easy to clean. Plus, they're a bargain considering how long they last; I've had the original bowl for about 8 years, so far. The bowls come in five bright shades and two sizes. Cleaning is a breeze; just wipe with a wet soapy sponge and rinse with clear water. The nylon bowls dry real quickly. Great camping item; make sure you bring at least two bowls per dog.

If your dog is young, healthy, and medium to large size, you might consider a hiking backpack for her. Use it only for long hikes and don't weigh the backpack down with heavy items like toys; dogs get enough back problems without carrying weights around on them. I pack a zip-lock with a few treats, two 6-ounce water bottles, one on each side, and a small Port-A-Bowl. I like the EzyDog Summit Backpack because it's sturdy, yet lightweight, and the packs are detachable, so it's very convenient. It also has great comfort features, like a chest plate harness that helps provide a secure fit for your dog. The Ezy Dog Summit Backpack comes in four sizes; be sure to check the sizing chart before ordering.

A raised dog bed is a must for any dog camper to reduce the risk of creepy-crawlies on her body. I like the Coleman Bone Dog Lounger; its frame is not only sturdy, but is well-balanced, so it's tip-proof. The colorful bedding is nice and cushy to provide the ultimate in comfort for your roughing-it dog. (If you are looking for an option for bigger dogs, the Pet Cot is not nearly as cute but it does get great reviews and seems very comfortable.)

The SUREswivel 360 is one of the best investments you can make to keep your pet from wandering off. Use as long a leash or rope as you like, your dog with never get tangled up. And he'll never be able to uproot this marvelous tether because of its ingenious design; it is secured with SIX screw-shaped X3 Anchor Stakes, a patented stake that has three times the holding power of a regular nail. The SUREswivel looks like it's a heavy load' it's anything but. It's made of nylon and acrylic, not steel. This wonder speaks for itself, so I've included the video below to do it!

You will not want to be without this wonderful insect repellent for pets. Your dog will love you for it, especially after the first time he hikes without gnats, mosquitos, and flies around his face and rear. The All Terrain (Natural) Pet Herbal Armor even controls fleas and ticks, but inspect your dog for them anyway after a hike. Put a few squirts of All Terrain on your hands and then pat areas around your dog's cheeks, chin, forehead, rear, tummy, and legs. The repellent does stink a bit (like citronella), but it's worth it.

This lightweight nylon shelter provides shade and plenty of air for your dog. I like the extra-large Outward Hound Shade Shelter,
even though I have a medium size dog. The more room to move around the
better, as well as room for your dog's food and water bowls, and a toy
or two. The Shelter is easy to erect and take down and stakes into the
ground securely.

I know these dog-loving products will make your camping or hiking outings with your dog safer and happier for you both!

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